Conversation 1

Woman: Hello. Can I get your name?
Man: Yes. My name is Tom Wilson.
Woman: Great. And can I see your ID?
Man: Sure. Here it is.
Woman: Thanks. And can you sign here?
Man: Certainly.

Conversation 2

Man: Hello! Can I take your order?
Woman: Yes, can I get the chicken sandwich?
Man: Certainly. And can I get you something to drink?
Woman: Yes, can I get a diet soda, please?
Man: Sure. Anything else? Can I interest you in something on the side?
Woman: Yes, can I get some fries with that?
Man: Of course. Anything else?
Woman: No, that will do.

Conversation 3

Woman: So Bob, can you come to the party?
Man: Yes, I can, but can I get your address?
Woman: It’s really long. Can I email it to you?
Man: That will work. Oh, and can I get your number?
Woman: Yes, it's 555-4343-3222.
Man: You know what, can you just put it in the email?
Woman: Sure. Can do.

Conversation 4

Woman: Hello! Can I help you?
Man: Yes, can I get a cafe mocha, please?
Woman: OK. And can I get your name?
Man: It’s Jason. And can I get that without cream?
Woman: Of course. Anything else?
Man: Yeah, can I get one of these muffins?
Woman: Sure. That comes to $5.45.
Man: Great. Can I pay by debit card?
Woman: You sure can.
Man: Awesome! And can I get a receipt?
Woman: Of course. Here’s your receipt.
Man: Thanks.
Woman: You can pick up your order over there.
Man: OK.

Can - Requests / Permission - Grammar Notes

1. Can you hold the door for me?
2. Can you come to work early tomorrow?
3. Can you spell your name for me?
4. Can you not sit there?

To reply 'Yes' you can say:

• Sure
• Of course.
• I would be glad to.

To reply 'No' we might say the following:

• I'm sorry, (give reason).
• I'd rather not.
  

• Can I leave early?
• Can I borrow your car?
• Can I sit here?
• Can I go home early?

To reply 'Yes' you can say:

• Sure
• Of course
• Be my guest

To reply 'No' we might say the following:

• I'm sorry, (give reason)
• I'd rather you didn't.